INDIAN LAND, S.C. -- The fire marshal said an "incompletely extinguished cigarette" started a massive fire at a retirement community in Lancaster County on Thursday.
Fire officials said a brush fire broke out around 3:30 p.m. at Sun City Carolina Lakes in Indian Land after ashes were blown by high winds into pine straw and grass surrounding a house.
Dan Markin's parents' house was significantly damaged.
“I mean it looked like a war zone," Markin recalled of the devastation. “I’ve lived all over the country, Philadelphia, New York, and I’ve never seen anything like this, ever.”
Fire officials told NBC Charlotte three houses were destroyed and a fourth was uninhabitable. Five other homes had minor damage. There were no injuries reported.
Fire officials said a red flag warning was issued Thursday afternoon due to low humidity and high winds which helped this fire spread.
The fire was under control as of 5:30 p.m. with firefighters watching hot spots. About 40 to 50 firefighters from Lancaster, York and Union counties responded.
"Firefighters were met with challenging fire conditions and were able to prevent the spread to even more structures," said Russell Rogers, fire marshal.